Gisette Israel

In loving memory of our mother, Gisette "Gigi" Israel, who passed away on August 15, 2026. She was the devoted wife of Yves Jean-Marie Israel and loving mother of Samuel, Naomi, and Dory.

Our mother was a kind, caring and giving person who always put the needs of her family before her own. She was a strong woman who faced every challenge in her life with courage and dignity. Our mother was a source of inspiration to us all and she will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she touched.

Growing up, our mom was always there for us. A woman of strong character, she instilled in us the importance of family, faith, hard work, and doing what is right.

Our Mom was born Marie Gisette Jean-Charles, on April 2, 1954, in Figuier, Haiti to Joseph Lefranc Jean-Charles and Dyelle Jean-Charles (nèe Eugene; d. 2009).

The fourth of their 11 children, her siblings are:

• Henry Robert Jean- Charles

• Rogeste "Roger" Jean- Charles (d. 2022)

• France Clunie Jean-Charles

• Ernaud Sebastien Jean-Charles

• Joseph Birmane Charles

• Kettly Sebastien Jean-Charles (Omega) (d. 2011)

• Frantz Sebastien Jean-Charles

• Herns Sebastien Jean-Charles

• Pierre Rony Jean-Charles

• Lefranc Fils Sebastien Jean-Charles

• Gerthy Jean-Charles (Michel)

Her education began at St. Joseph's Catholic Elementary School then Louise Diaquoi School in Gonaïves. Following that time she moved to Port-Au-Prince to continue her education, where she attended Coscomart Culinary School and later completed her nursing degree at Diquini University. In 1979, Mom graduated at the top of her class, then went on to work at Diquini University, Azile Français, and Saint Francois de Sale hospitals.

Throughout our childhood, Mom fondly told us stories of how caring for newborns in the nursery was her favorite specialty of nursing and how she had a knack for efficiently and effortlessly finding veins for a blood draw! She was always proud of taking such tender care of her patients, young and old, and her nurturing spirit was something that uplifted all those around her.

On July 31, 1983, Gisette married Yves Jean-Marie Israel and the newlyweds relocated to Bronx, NY. They remained in the Bronx for a short while, then officially settled down in Spring Valley, where they gave birth to their firstborn, Samuel in 1984, then Naomi in 1986 and finally Dory in 1988. During her years of early Motherhood, Gisette truly shined and often stated "I had so much fun then; that was the happiest time of my life!"

Gisette not only cared for her own young children during those years but also nannied for the incredibly kind Ishmash family. As a young Mother of 3, Gisette started a Home Day Care Center which allowed her to financially provide while staying home with her own children. And for us, those were some of the happiest years of our lives! Gisette's work with young children also extended to the Children's Program at Sinai SDA church, where she was a vital part of the leadership team. They spent countless hours planning, preparing, practicing and bringing to life the Bible stories and lessons that became the foundation of our faith.

In 1996, Gisette started a new chapter for her family, moving to Central Florida and establishing herself so we could buy a home in 1997, in Altamonte Springs. She continued to live out her passion for children and caretaking by establishing a new home daycare and opening our home to foster children who were in very unfortunate situations. Mom was also extremely passionate about providing for orphaned children in Haiti. As far back as we can remember, Mom was consistently sending money, food, clothing, supplies, etc. to help provide for them as much as she could.

It didn't take Mom long to build connections and close relationships in her new hometown. While keeping many close friendships from Sinai SDA, she expanded her church family across Guilgal, Beracah, Apopka Highland, and Forest Lake Church Seventh-Day Adventist churches.

One of her biggest reasons for moving to Florida was so that we could attend Adventist Schools. From Forest Lake Education Center to Forest Lake Academy, Pine Forge Academy and Hungerford Prep, she welcomed in our friends with a big smile, an open heart, and delicious food. Our home was everyone's home. She took our closest friends and made them her sons and daughters.

In 2012, when Sam married Nina, Gisette became a grandmother to Iyomi. On February 6, 2014, Gisette graduated from "Grandmother" to "Gigi" with the birth of her first Grandson, Carter. As much as she loved being a mom, the title of Gigi truly brought her the greatest love, joy and sense of purpose that she had ever known. Almost overnight, Mom's entire life now revolved around being a grandmother.

And this joy continued to increase with the births of Samuel Josiah in 2017, Ivy in 2020, Corrie in 2021, Isa and Neriah in 2022, and Chloe in 2023. Mom was always intentional about building a secure, loving attachment with each of her grandkids. She knew their personal likes and dislikes, their favorite foods, their favorite shows and songs, and made sure that "Gigi's House" was one of their favorite places to be. She called them incessantly, bought them the most thoughtful gifts, planned special family trips and made sure that-just as she did for us-her Grandchildren's core memories would involve her. They will never have to question how much their Gigi loved them, how much she cared for them, how much they lit up her life, and how much she just wanted the best for them.

Throughout her life, Mom faced many health challenges. Time after time, she educated herself and drew strength from her faith to overcome them. She did everything in her power for her grandchildren to have Gigi be with them as long as possible. She fought until the very end, but sadly her body could fight no longer.

"Cherie," "Nenen," "Sr. Israel," "Sister," "Tati Gisette," "Nenen," "Mom," "Gigi" ... we miss you so much. Your passing has left a void in our lives that may never be filled. Thank you for living such a bright, bold, beautiful life. Thank you for all your sacrifices, thank you for nurturing everyone around you, thank you for bringing joy to our lives, thank you for fighting until the very end. You can rest peacefully now, Mom.

We will carry on your legacy, Gigi. We will make you proud.